Roman Casserole
A hearty Roman casserole combining seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, and sturdy pasta in a cheesy tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 pound hot Italian sausage, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed Cheddar cheese soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 ounce) can condensed tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 cup water
- 4 cups slightly undercooked mostaccioli noodles or other sturdy pasta ⓘ
- 4 cups slightly undercooked mostaccioli noodles or other sturdy pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef, Italian sausage, chopped onion, and crushed oregano, stirring frequently to break up the beef. When browned, pour off excess fat.
- Add the condensed Cheddar cheese soup, condensed tomato soup, water, and cooked pasta; stir gently until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 12-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish.
- Cover and bake for 40 minutes or until hot.
- Uncover and stir the casserole.
- Top with cheese and bake until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use a spicy cheese soup for added flavor. You can also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the skillet for extra veggies. To save time, use pre-cooked pasta or a different sturdy pasta shape. This dish is versatile, similar to Easy Pasta Skillet, allowing you to customize it to your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Roman Casserole with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like One-Pan Lasagna, making for a comforting dinner experience that the whole family will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover; microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warm, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Roman Casserole contains roughly 807 calories, with 59g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (139% of the Daily Value), protein (117% of the Daily Value), and calcium (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 832mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese soup?
If you want a different flavor profile, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cheese sauce. This will change the taste slightly, but it will still yield a delicious casserole.
Can I freeze the Roman Casserole?
Absolutely! After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).